Operations Manager

Role: Operations Manager
Employer: TradIn
Deadline: 29th May, 2025
Location: Kenema, Sierra Leone (With regular visits on the field and to cooperatives and to Freetown
warehouse).

Application guide: Submit your CV and Cover Letter to info@afriqia-solutions.com with “Operations
Manager” in the Subject Line.

Key Purpose

The Operations Manager is responsible for managing TradIn operations and will oversee the sourcing,
quality management and supply chain of cocoa beans from various cooperatives through the export stage.
The role involves building and maintaining relationships with supply chain teams, Logistics, Quality Control,
Finance, both in Sierra Leone and the company’s HQ. The role will be based in Kenema with occasional field
trips.

Role and Responsibilities

Supply Chain Management

• Develop and implement operational plans and procedures for sourcing, collection, warehousing
  and export of Cocoa Beans.
• Coordinate operations and deliveries with customer logistic team (CSO Logistics), including
  shipment schedules and contract execution.
• Serve as a liaison between Operations and Controlling to ensure timely and accurate reporting of
  process orders, stock movements, quantities, dates, and delivery timelines.
• Identify operational priorities with the GM and develop planned actions to resolve bottlenecks.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of company operations in collaboration with other
  department managers.

Documentation and Traceability

• Ensure all documentation (quality checks, traceability, purchase lists) is in place.
• Confirm effective transmission of traceability documentation to the ICS Digitised Inbound
  Administrator for data entry in Smallholder systems.
• Coordinate and validate pre shipment and internal sampling with the logistics team for all
  completed log tags in the Warehouse.
• Raise invoices based on customer call offs, request packing lists and ensure COI documentation
  is properly managed.

Logistics & Inventory Management

• Track and reconcile deliveries from cooperatives to maintain precise costing and traceability.
• Ensure timely and accurate field stock, weekly forecast and cash and stock review, reporting to
  control cash advances and delivery planning in coordination with Finance and Logistics.
• Assist in purchase and management of operational materials (jute bags, sourcing materials, etc).
• Assist Logistics with company’s vehicle fleet management, costs and vehicle use optimization
  and maintenance planning.
• Ensure communication and coordination with logistics service providers for efficient operations
  planning and coordination.

Process Optimization and Collaboration

• Foster collaboration across ICS, Logistics, Finance and Quality Assurance and local service
  providers to achieve operational goals.
• Guide teams in aligning sourcing, procurement, logistics and sales into a seamless efficient
  workflow.
• Provide coaching and oversight to internal staff and service provides to uphold service quality and
  accountability.

Quality management

• Collaborate with the QA team to maintain the Quality Management System and implement QHSE
  procedures at every operational stage.
• Control that documentation and quality standards are adhered to during evacuations and prior to
  export.
• Ensure that cocoa meets all required customer specifications and compliance standards.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure that all operational activities comply with relevant health, safety, and environmental
  regulations and company policies
• Implement and monitor HSE protocols to ensure the safety of all employees at all times.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in logistic studies and/or supply chain management.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in operations management in logistic or commodity business.
• Experience in customs clearance for imports and exports is required.
• Experience in working in an international group, rural production and ICS is a plus.
• Experience in commodity business is also a plus.
• Full knowledge of Office pack, especially on Excel (dashboard settings and monitoring) and
  Outlook.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication skills and stakeholder management.
• Proven leadership skills and collaborative approach to work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Adaptability, flexibility and commitment to continuous learning.